Why is the abdomen more vonerable than other parts of the anatomy?

The abdomen is more vulnerable to injury, such as from falls or shooting or stabbing, than many other areas of the body because it is not well protected. Only soft fat and a thin layer of skin and muscle separate it from the outside environment. Many organs, such as the heart, lungs and liver, are protected from injury by the ribcage. The brain is protected by the skull, and the bladder and a woman's ovaries are protected by the pelvic cradle. The ribs, skull and pelvis are made of bone, a strong, hard material that offers a good defense against injury. Even if the bone cracks, it can still protect vital organs. The stomach and intestines inside the abdomen have no such defense. This is because the stomach extends during the digestion process and cannot be restrained in any way in order to function properly.